COVID-19 Updates and Guidance > FAQs > Faculty Classroom Concerns

Faculty Classroom Concerns

1. Health and Safety Compliance

​No. Like any other medical treatment and condition, a student's vaccination status is personal health information, which is confidential under university policy and is a record protected by FERPA. The University Registrar maintains all immunization records according to these requirements. Moreover, some individuals may not be able to get the vaccine due to medical or other reasons and, in line with DePaul's mission, we must practice inclusiveness and care to all members of our community and respect the privacy and dignity of every person.

If a student, faculty, or staff member tests positive for COVID-19, they should visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) website​ at for the most up-to-date instructions on quarantine, isolation and safety measures.

As directed by CDC, individuals should inform their close contacts.  If a student reported that they attended class during their infectious period - two days before symptoms or two days before day of test if no symptoms - faculty can send a notification to the class regarding possible exposure. It is important to protect privacy as much as possible and not reveal names of those who tested positive.  An example of notification:

 “I am writing to inform you that an individual has recently tested positive for COVID-19. You were present at the same location with this individual on [Insert day of class].  Please visit Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) website to review their guidance following exposure. This includes wearing a mask for 10 days. As always, you should self-monitor for symptoms. If you begin to experience symptoms do not come to campus, test immediately and call your healthcare provider to discuss questions regarding symptoms.

Please visit DePaul's COVID-19 Testing Resource page for information on how to find testing locations. Rapid tests are also  available at DePaul if you do not have access to testing. 

Keep in mind it is our responsibility, as directed by the CDC, to maintain the privacy and anonymity of those individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19. Please remember to honor this commitment to privacy for those who contract the virus."

While DePaul no longer requires masks, wearing a mask indoors on campus is highly recommended. If you are joining a meeting or gathering and a participant asks you to wear a mask, please do so.

Masks are available at the first-floor desk areas near building entrances.
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No. Like ​any other medical treatment and condition, a student's vaccination status is personal health information, which is confidential under university policy and is a record protected by FERPA. If vaccination is necessary for a particular educational activity, for example a visit to a site that requires vaccination, faculty may contact the University Registrar on a strict need-to-know basis to determine which students have exemptions and need alternative arrangements.

If the st​​​udent is impaired or otherwise seems to need immediate assistance, or is disrupting the class, the faculty member can take appropriate steps. The best approach would be to initiate a private conversation making sure they’re OK and reiterating that they need to take care of themselves and not come to class/go home if sick. If a student needs immediate assistance, call 911 or Public Safety.

You should not go to a face-to-face ​class. If you feel well enough to conduct your course online, you should make arrangements to do so and communicate the information with your students. Faculty with an extended illness should consult with their chair or dean.

The university will continue to monitor the situation, review the Chicago Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, consult with on-campus stakeholders, and make adjustments as needed.

2. Class Policies

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If you can’t find an answer that you’re looking for, please email DePaulCommunityHealth@depaul.edu.​